Malta Development Blog

On a cold and wet day, the mudroom welcomes family and guests to an inner safe-haven. Emphasize the coziness (not the muddiness) with these tips.

Once the rain really starts to come down, nothing is quite as comforting as the idea of warm and dry home. In reality, coming in from the cold damp is, well... a mess. Mudrooms welcome family and guests and keep the rest of your home clean. If you have pets, it's also a perfect place to store toys, leashes and snacks.

Make your mudroom a cozy, welcoming space. Here are a few simple tips to make yours more efficient, neat and inspiring.

1. Remove Junk

Remove anything that serves no purpose or is out of place. If you have a bike seat but don't own a bike, throw it away, sell it, or donate it. Cluttered space creates cluttered minds.

2. Go for Durability

Use durable paint and furniture that withstands abuse from the normal play of children and pets. Flat paint finishes and steel lockers add to an industrial chic vibe.

3. Design for Your Family

Keep in mind how your kids or significant other thinks. Low-hanging hooks, a great option for children's coats, remove the extra steps involved in cabinet storage.

4. Benches

If space permits, install a bench in your mudroom. It helps when entering your home after a long day of work. Just sit down, take off your coat, and slide your shoes underneath. It also slows down the pace of all the hustle and bustle that goes on outside and inside your home. The bench is a haven for rest and relaxation.

5. Lighting

Lighting needs to be functional above all, but it also needs to add character to a mudroom. Lighting creates a mood that enables you to enter your home in a peaceful manner. Don't treat lighting as an afterthought.

6. Tile Floor

Practical tile makes cleanup a breeze. Clean with a mild detergent. Just make sure you clean up any spills right away. Mildew loves spills.

7. Don't Forget About Fido

Install a small bed and few toys in a little bay for your furry-legged friends. They'll forever thank you.

8. Take Advantage of Height

Use high ceilings to your advantage. Install a fancy chandelier or some hanging lights to add dimension and personality. Don't let that extra height go to waste. A chandelier also acts as a great focal point in setting a peaceful mood.

9. Rugs to the Rescue

Protect your wood floors with a nice but functional rug. An intricately designed rug of earthy natural colors hides any dirt or mud tracked in from the harsh outside world.

Don't skimp on the details when designing your mudroom. Treat it like your entryway from the chaotic outside world into your humble abode. Make it functional but also full of character. Leave a lasting first impression on your guests.